Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $7.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical billing and coding specialist working in Columbus, NE runs $7.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $15,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $7.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $9,028 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, the forecast for medical billing and coding specialist hourly pay stands at $7.23, a figure significantly lower than the national median of $14.59. This disparity in pay reflects local market conditions, and it presents unique considerations for part-time workers and those pursuing per-diem opportunities. For instance, a part-time specialist working three days a week might earn approximately $1,168 monthly, translating to a modest annual income compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem medical billing and coding specialists in the area typically face similar financial dynamics, often operating from diverse settings, including remote home offices or coding departments in hospitals and clinics. The hourly pay range in Columbus spans from $5.82, representing entry-level positions, to $11.11 for experienced coders, indicating the variances in expertise and work environments upon which specialists depend.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $5.82 | $46.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $6.48 | $51.81 |
| Median (P50) | $7.23 | $57.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $8.72 | $69.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $11.11 | $88.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $7.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $7.23/hr, a medical billing and coding specialist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $15,047 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $8,681. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $289.36 | $1,254 | $15,047 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $173.62 | $752 | $9,028 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $115.74 | $502 | $6,019 |
Compare MBS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Columbus) | $7.23 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Columbus, NE earn a median of $15,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 50.44% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $16,103.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $7.23/hr = $9,028/year (purchasing power: $9,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $15,047/year (purchasing power: $16,445).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$6.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$7.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$7.23/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Columbus (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $6.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $6.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $6.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $7.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $7.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $7.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical billing and coding specialists in Columbus grew 9.6% from $6.45/hr (2021) to $7.07/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $7.40/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical billing and coding specialists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.32% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical Billing and Coding Specialist in Columbus
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time medical billing and coding specialists reveals a stark contrast in financial outcomes. A specialist working part-time at 24 hours a week, while limited in total income, may still find advantages through per-diem roles. Per diem medical billing and coding specialist pay in Columbus can reach as high as $42 per hour for experienced coders, particularly with specialized certifications. The hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of employer, with physician group practices and insurance companies often providing lower wages due to healthcare margins compared to third-party coding companies that may emphasize remote work flexibility. Additionally, many specialists face a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits or lower rates with health insurance, adding complexity to job negotiations. For those entering discussions regarding compensation, it’s advisable to reference local salary averages while highlighting experience and specialty certifications such as those offered by AAPC or AHIMA. Negotiating with a clear understanding of Columbus's specific market conditions can lead to better opportunities and fairer compensation for their skill sets.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical billing and coding specialists in Columbus. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov